Studies have shown that people with depression and anxiety double their health benefits from regular exercise.
- Massachusetts General Hospital scientists tracked 50,000 exercise regimes
- 150 minutes of exercise per week reduces your overall risk of heart attack by 17%
- But for those diagnosed with depression or anxiety, that was 22%.
- Scientists say that any amount of exercise can improve heart health levels
According to one study, people with depression and anxiety double their health benefits from regular exercise.
Researchers tracked more than 50,000 exercise regimes in their late 50s, up to one-third of whom were diagnosed with this condition.
Overall, those who exercised moderately for 150 minutes a week were 17% less likely to have a heart attack or coronary artery occlusion within two years than those who exercise less frequently.
However, people with depression and anxiety enjoyed the greatest benefit, with a 22% reduction in risk compared to 10% for those without either condition.
People with depression and anxiety can suffer from chronic inflammation due to stress on the body.
This can lead to hardening of the arteries, further increasing the risk of heart problems.
However, scientists say exercise helps relieve these symptoms by promoting the release of endorphins (a “feeling” hormone) that can improve people’s mood and reduce inflammation. increase.
Researchers tracked more than 50,000 exercise regimes in their late 50s, one-third of whom were diagnosed with this condition. (Stock image)
Anxiety and depression are one of the most common mental health problems in the UK, affecting 1 in 12 people each week.
It is estimated that a total of 4.8 million British people live in this state, compared to about 22 million in the United States.
Chronic stress can increase levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood, which can make the heart beat faster and lead to high blood pressure. This is a risk factor for heart disease.
In a recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual conference in Washington, DC next week, scientists extracted data from 50,000 patients of General Brigam Biobank, an average age of 59 years.
Of the participants, 4,000, or 8% of the total — Received a heart attack, chest pain due to an occluded artery, or treatment to open the occluded artery within 2 years.
Scientists first examined patients who exercised for more than 150 minutes a week, the NHS-recommended level.
Next, the patients were grouped. Patients who have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression and those who have not.
They say that people with mental health who have been exercising for 150 minutes (active walks, cycling, hiking, tennis, etc.) may suffer from one of the heart conditions more than those with anxiety or depression. Found to be 22% lower. Diagnosis of people who exercise less frequently.
This was more than double the benefits seen in people without anxiety or depression.
Hadil Zureigat, a heart disease researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, who led the study, said:
“This does not suggest that exercise is only effective for people with depression or anxiety, but we have found that these patients appear to benefit from greater cardiovascular benefits from physical activity. . “
She added:
“Physical activity not only helps them feel better, but they will also strongly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
“It can be difficult to transition, but once achieved, physical activity allows people with these common chronic stress-related mental states to hit two birds with one stone. increase.”
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